Share Schemes

Share schemes and share incentives are employee benefits that can provide substantial reward and tax advantages to the employer and can be a way of motivating staff.

There are four types of HMRC approved tax-advantaged share schemes that have varying terms and conditions.

Some advantages of the schemes include paying no income tax and National Insurance on any increase in value of the shares, or not paying tax on any bonus at the end of the scheme. The qualifying schemes are:

Share Incentive Plans

Save As You Earn (SAYE)

Company Share Option Plans

Enterprise Management Incentives (EMIs)

Whilst there are other share schemes available, they will not offer the same tax advantages.

Advantages and pitfalls vary for each share scheme, so it is important to understand what the scheme involves, versus when you are liable to pay tax, and the general terms and conditions.

Here at Smith Cooper, we provide expert advice and support to both employees and employers about all types of share schemes available, providing reliable and commercially viable advice along the way. We can help you identify and implement the most appropriate tax-advantaged share scheme that suits your needs.

To avoid unwanted tax exposure, it is vital to take professional advice and to consider adopting an approved tax-efficient option plan, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.